Celtic admit disappointment as ‘special’ Ange Postecoglou leaves for Tottenham

Celtic have insisted they have done everything they can to retain Treble-winning head coach Ange Postecoglou after the Australian was confirmed as Tottenham’s new manager.

Spurs confirmed the news Tuesday morning by tweeting, “We are delighted to announce the appointment of Ange Postecoglou as our new head coach on a four-year contract.”

Tottenham have been looking for a new manager since the sacking of Antonio Conte in March, while Cristian Stellini and Ryan Mason have taken on interim coaching roles.

Postecoglou’s appointment comes days after the 57-year-old led Celtic to the domestic Treble, where the Bhoys won the Scottish Cup on Saturday.

Celtic chairman Peter Lawwell thanked Postecoglou for his brilliant contribution during his two years at Parkhead, adding that the club had tried to convince him to stay.

Celtic chairman Peter Lawwell thanked Postecoglou for his “brilliant contribution” to the club

“Against all odds, Ange has brought Celtic a fantastic level of success and we thank him for his brilliant contribution to the club over the past two years,” Lawwell said in a statement.

“We were delighted to bring Ange to Celtic. He is a special manager who has enjoyed success all around and someone who has brought attacking, classy and winning football to the club in Celtic’s finest traditions.

“Of course we are disappointed that Ange has decided to leave the club and we have done everything we can to keep him with us well into the future, but he wanted to take this new opportunity and we wish Ange the best in this and all the future. Others. he does.

“Now our main focus is on making sure we move forward positively and we are doing everything we can to ensure we maintain our dominant position in Scottish football and also prepare for the exciting European challenges ahead.”

Celtic confirmed that the process of appointing their next manager has already begun.

The Parkhead club said it intends to announce this appointment to supporters as soon as possible and pledges to appoint the best candidate to take the club forward.

“It was a pleasure to work with Ange, a great football manager and a good man. He has served the club with such energy and determination and achieved a phenomenal level of success,” said Celtic Chief Executive Michael Nicholson.

“I want to thank him for everything he has given us and I wish Ange and his family all the very best for the future in everything they do.

Celtic have vowed to appoint the best candidate to build on this season’s Treble success

“Obviously we wanted Ange to stay at Celtic and although we are disappointed to lose him, he has decided he wants to look at a new challenge, which we respect.

“As a Treble-winning champion, the club looks to the future with confidence, with many exciting opportunities ahead. The club appreciates the huge support from Celtic fans this season and we will continue to build on this position of unity and strength.”

Postecoglou’s move to the Scottish giants in 2021 was widely derided given his lack of experience in European football having spent much of his career coaching in Japan and Australia.

The Australian silenced those doubters by winning five of the six domestic trophies on offer, while implementing an attractive style of football and showing off a savvy knowledge of the transfer market with inspired signings.

Postecoglou has thanked the Celtic board and supporters for their support during his two years at the club.

“I want to say a big thank you to everyone at the club for everything they’ve given me. In particular, Dermot, Peter and Michael and the Celtic Board have supported me immensely in every aspect of my time at Celtic and I will be eternally grateful for this,” said Postecoglou.

“They brought me to Club and I have worked so closely and so well with them over the last two years that I will always have a special bond with them.

“They wanted me to extend my time at Celtic and although I am so respectful and understanding of their position, I was given another opportunity and I wanted to explore it.

Postecoglou has thanked the Celtic board and fans for their support during his time

“It was an honor to be asked to become Celtic manager and during my two years I gave everything to ensure success for our supporters. Highlighted by the Treble at the weekend, my players and team in the back room have been brilliant for me on this journey.

“They have all given us fantastic moments through their energy and commitment, creating real quality and winning football.

“Our supporters have been great to me and I thank them for the way they have embraced me over the past two years. My ambition was always to give our fans a team they could be proud of, a team that people talked about and I think we achieved that.

Celtic are a phenomenal football club, and so much more – and I will forever be a supporter of this great institution. I wish everyone connected with Celtic nothing but good luck.’

Former Leeds boss Jesse Marsch is one of several managers linked with the now-vacant Celtic job.